15thC Burmese Sword

Titus Pullo · 23rd July 2006, 07:04 AM

I reconize the writing on the sword. It would appear the first two inscriptions are Thai alphabets, and the latters are Thai numerical symbols. Thai and Camobodian use the same numerical symbols if I'm not mistaken. The first alphabet looks like a W and the second one looks like an "h" that written backward with a tail on top. I'm not sure if this has any influence from the Romans, but I don't think so since Thai alphabets is based on Khmer and Mon alphabets, which in turn is influenced by Sankrit from India, I believe. Fascinating!

PUFF · 23rd July 2006, 11:28 AM

The blade shape might be old in design, But the inscription 's BE 2493 (Buddhist Era), which is AD 1950.

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/thai.htm (translation for Thai alphabets and numbers)

พ.ศ. or พ.ส. 's translated to BE (please enable Thai encoding in your page)

The final hint 's two masonary nails on the butt cap. The round head nail with hatch "#" on it 's considered modern, which 's consistant with the inscription.

Ian · 23rd July 2006, 03:19 PM

Thanks PUFF.

I'm not surprised that this one dates from the mid 20th C. Although heavily patinated on the blade and ferrules, it does not look especially old. Like you, I had noticed the recent nails in the hilt and thought that the handle may have been a recent replacment on an older blade. But it appears that the blade too is quite modern, although shows signs of use and sharpening.

A couple of questions for you. Have you seen this style of blade in older swords? If this form has been around for a long time, I would expect that it may be quite common, and yet I have not seen other examples.

And why do you think this one has a date when very few Thai swords have dates or incriptions? Why would someone take the time to do that on what appears to be rather a plain and utilitarian sword?

And lastly, where do you think this one was made within Thailand? Do the markings provide any clue?

Ian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PUFF

The blade shape might be old in design, But the inscription 's BE 2493 (Buddhist Era), which is AD 1950.

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/thai.htm (translation for Thai alphabets and numbers)

พ.ศ. or พ.ส. 's translated to BE (please enable Thai encoding in your page)

The final hint 's two masonary nails on the butt cap. The round head nail with hatch "#" on it 's considered modern, which 's consistant with the inscription.

PUFF · 24th July 2006, 11:15 AM

For the time being, I could not find any old example for this style. But the style 's currently used for machete size chopper (~20") around central Thailand.

I do not know the exact purpose of such inscription. My best guess is the inscription might be related to Korean war (we joined with the alliance in 1950). However, it 's only my guess

There 's a good indicator for its place of origin. During and short period after the WWII (1941-1957), Thailand 's Prime minister issued nationalism acts and using of some alphabets were prohinited. The inscription is "พ.ส." instead of "พ.ศ." or "ร.ศ." suggested that the blade was made in that period, in urban or sub-urban area (rural area was less affected by such act).

Ian · 24th July 2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks PUFF. Very helpful and informative.

I purchased this sword off eBay some time ago. I think the seller was located in the U.K. I have no further informationa out its origin or history.

Ian.

23rd July 2006, 07:04 AM	#1
Titus Pullo Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 123	I reconize the writing on the sword. It would appear the first two inscriptions are Thai alphabets, and the latters are Thai numerical symbols. Thai and Camobodian use the same numerical symbols if I'm not mistaken. The first alphabet looks like a W and the second one looks like an "h" that written backward with a tail on top. I'm not sure if this has any influence from the Romans, but I don't think so since Thai alphabets is based on Khmer and Mon alphabets, which in turn is influenced by Sankrit from India, I believe. Fascinating!

23rd July 2006, 11:28 AM	#2
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	The blade shape might be old in design, But the inscription 's BE 2493 (Buddhist Era), which is AD 1950. http://www.omniglot.com/writing/thai.htm (translation for Thai alphabets and numbers) พ.ศ. or พ.ส. 's translated to BE (please enable Thai encoding in your page) The final hint 's two masonary nails on the butt cap. The round head nail with hatch "#" on it 's considered modern, which 's consistant with the inscription.

24th July 2006, 11:15 AM	#4
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	For the time being, I could not find any old example for this style. But the style 's currently used for machete size chopper (~20") around central Thailand. I do not know the exact purpose of such inscription. My best guess is the inscription might be related to Korean war (we joined with the alliance in 1950). However, it 's only my guess There 's a good indicator for its place of origin. During and short period after the WWII (1941-1957), Thailand 's Prime minister issued nationalism acts and using of some alphabets were prohinited. The inscription is "พ.ส." instead of "พ.ศ." or "ร.ศ." suggested that the blade was made in that period, in urban or sub-urban area (rural area was less affected by such act).

24th July 2006, 03:13 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Thanks PUFF. Very helpful and informative. I purchased this sword off eBay some time ago. I think the seller was located in the U.K. I have no further informationa out its origin or history. Ian.